Animal Farm by George Orwell is a powerful allegorical novella that critiques totalitarianism through the lens of a seemingly simple fable. Set on a farm in England, the story follows a group of animals who overthrow their human farmer in hopes of creating a society where all animals are equal and can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Inspired by Old Major, a wise and idealistic pig, the animals unite in revolution, driving out the farmer and establishing their own government based on the principles of “Animalism.” However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that power, once seized, has a corrupting influence.
The pigs, who assume leadership roles after the revolution, quickly begin to consolidate their power, with two figures — Snowball and Napoleon — emerging as central rivals. Snowball represents the more idealistic and intellectual side of the revolution, while Napoleon symbolizes authoritarian ambition. After a power struggle, Napoleon ousts Snowball and takes control of the farm, slowly transforming the society into one that mirrors — and even surpasses — the tyranny of the humans they overthrew. Orwell cleverly uses this descent to illustrate how revolutionary ideals can be manipulated and betrayed by those who seek personal power.
As Napoleon’s control grows, the pigs begin to adopt the behaviors of the humans they once condemned. They walk on two legs, sleep in beds, and trade with neighboring farms. The foundational commandment “All animals are equal” is eventually altered to read “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Orwell’s use of language and propaganda — especially through the character of Squealer, Napoleon’s mouthpiece — shows how truth can be twisted and history rewritten to maintain power. The animals, especially the hardworking horse Boxer, represent the exploited working class, loyal and trusting even as they are abused and discarded.
The novella serves as a direct allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Soviet communism. Each character and event parallels historical figures and developments: Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin, Snowball stands in for Leon Trotsky, and the corrupt evolution of Animalism reflects the perversion of socialist ideals in the USSR. Orwell’s sharp critique is not only aimed at Soviet communism but at the broader dangers of unchecked political power and the ease with which noble ideals can be co-opted by authoritarian regimes.
Despite its brevity and simple narrative style, Animal Farm delivers a profound and sobering message about human nature, power, and the cyclical nature of oppression. Orwell’s ability to convey complex political ideas through allegory makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers, while its themes remain relevant across different times and political contexts. The ending, in which the animals can no longer tell the difference between pigs and humans, serves as a chilling reminder of how revolutions can come full circle.
In conclusion, Animal Farm is both a compelling story and a potent political commentary. Through vivid symbolism, Orwell explores how revolutions can be corrupted from within and how propaganda and manipulation can blind people to oppression. It remains a timeless warning about the fragility of freedom and the importance of vigilance in any society striving for equality and justice.
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